In the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, a Japanese businessman has reportedly met with the Mayor of Saipan in order to discuss the possibility of opening various businesses including a new casino in the American territory.

Return visit scheduled for August:

According to a report from the Marianas Variety newspaper, Saipan Mayor David Apatang revealed that he had met with Yusho Oki from Paraisu Corporation last week before explaining that the entrepreneur intends to return in August so as to discuss more specific ventures.

The newspaper reported that Apatang believes Oki is currently investigating the feasibility of opening enterprises in Saipan and the neighboring island of Rota, which is located some 40 nautical miles north of Guam.

Ventures could include sister-city relationships:

Apatang reportedly told the Marianas Review that Oki is additionally interested in establishing relationships between Saipan and several cities in Japan that could help to boost tourism and encompass cultural and student exchange programs.

“That’s why it’s important to keep our island clean so visitors will keep on coming,” Apatang reportedly told the Marianas Variety.

Japan also important for Imperial Palace Saipan:

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is already home to the giant Imperial Palace Saipan integrated casino resort from Imperial Pacific International Holdings Limited with Asia Gaming Brief reporting that this 350-room property is additionally keen to attract more visitors from Japan. It cited the Hong Kong-listed firm’s Operations Senior Vice-President, Lu Tsai, as declaring that up to 20% of the venue’s current guests are from Japan but that it would like to grow this proportion as these guests are more likely to be ‘above average customers.’